Shops must close for Easter and Christmas [1]
Monday, April 7, 2008 - 16:30. Updated on Friday, July 24, 2015 - 16:56.
Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, March 27-April 3, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.
The Kalonikali on March 27 reports that the Ministry of Police is tightening restrictions associated with the observance of Good Friday and Christmas Day, which entails the closure of businesses and shops for 24 hours, and not just during the divine service, as perceived by many.
A Taimi 'o Tonga poll of Vava'u voters published on March 31, shows candidate 'Etuate Lavulavu leading with 33.1%; his closest rival Samiu Kuita Vaipulu scores 15.1%.
The Kele'a on April 2 describs as "a heart attack trigger", the purported uncertainty surrounding the future of our own bank, Westpac Bank of Tonga.
The Talaki on April 2 reports that the Chief Justice had ordered Sangster Saulala, chairman of the Tonga Rugby Football Union, and board member Tu'i Uata to resign by 26 March 2008.
The Taimi on April 3 reports that since the start of the RSE seasonal labor scheme, workers from Tonga have been wimpish and complain the most, while a visit by its own reporter quoted some workers saying the complaints were nonsense.
In Vava'u, a recent spate of housebreaking and thefts have been traced to a 16/11 offender, who had arrived lately with his wife. Last year a group associated with 16/11 were also apprehended in Vava'u, after a similar crime wave had swept the small community.